Gotta love this comment from James

[Phi Iota Gamma 84]

http://www.chippewa.com/articles/2008/04/04/sports/981t.txt

But for now, McNeal and James are talking about the possibilities of next season at Marquette.

"I think we have the experience and maturity now to handle something like this and not let it set us back,'' McNeal said.

James said he is open to learning a new coach and a new system.

"I'm still a Marquette player,'' James said. "That's the way I feel. That's what I'm thinking about. I'm still thinking about next season, how good we can be and things like that. So obviously, I'm ready. My mind is still on Marquette, it's not on the NBA.''

[mosarsour]

God bless that kid! He's impressing me more and more. I hope for nothing but great things for him next season and beyond. He's really starting to show some leadership. I was watching time warner sports last night they spoke to the Big 4; DJ, JM, WM, and LH and they have really taken ownership of this team. I'm already excited for next season, regardless of who the next coach is.

[TJ]

There's going to be a lot of speculation about McNeal coming up during the summer.  I would be shocked if he didn't declare for the draft with no agent.  He has nothing at all to lose from that and everything to gain.  He could still come back, but we'll definitely have a few weeks of unknown status for him.  If he lights up the camp and gets told he could go late 1st/early 2nd round, he might decide to not come back.

[NotAnAlum]

To show that level of maturity and leadership in the face of what has happened Dom wins my award as stand up guy of the year.

[The Lens]

It's funny b/c we never heard DJ say one peep about the NBA this season yet there was a ton of chatter, especially on the premium boards where people are "connected".  Some people-in-the-know would have you believe he was next to gone and it was all his family / economics etc.  And now, the one time DJ speaks on the subject he talks only about 2008 / 09. 

What has changed?

[Nukem2]

He may realize that he needs to make some noise in the NCAAs to raise his stock?